Portable shower and bath chair system and method

ABSTRACT

A portable shower and bath chair system; the portable shower and bath chair system includes a chair and a support assembly for fitting the chair on a bathtub. The portable shower and bath chair system further includes a means for supplying and draining a liquid solution to/from the chair. The portable shower and bath chair system is useful for to aid a user, particularly users with mobility problems, in bathing and showering.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 62/607,280 filed 18 Dec. 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of bathing accessories of existing art and more specifically relates to a portable bathing chair to provide assistance in a bathtub.

RELATED ART

Many people, including the elderly and people with limited mobility and strength, are not be able to physically lift their legs up and over the side of a bathtub to bath and shower. Such individuals may require assistance from another person, but this can be embarrassing and can take a toll on their self-confidence. Others may attempt to go over the edge of the bathtub without help, resulting in slips and falls, which can lead to debilitating injuries. A suitable solution is desired.

Previous attempts to solve this problem include U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,445 to Bernard B. Bailey relating to a shower bath chair for use in conjunction with a bath tub. The described shower bath chair for use in conjunction with a bath tub includes a shower assembly which can be used in conjunction with normal household bathing facilities while minimizing the disruption for normal use of the facility. The assembly includes a track to support the chair above the bath, and suspension means for the chair which permits linear movement along the track and rotary movement whereby the chair can face outwardly when being engaged and exited by user. The chair seat is dished to trap water therein to cleanse the seated areas of the user, and a fresh water supply is arranged directly into the seat area to rinse the seated areas.

The previous attempt can be heavy and bothersome, particularly when mounting and removing the chair. It would be difficult to install, particularly for people having limited mobility and elderly individuals. Therefore, a suitable solution is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known bath chair art, the present disclosure provides a novel portable shower and bath chair system and method. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a portable shower and bath chair system for use in combination with a bathtub having a longitudinal wall and transverse walls.

A portable shower and bath chair system is disclosed herein. The portable shower and bath chair system includes a chair having an under-side and a top-side. The chair includes a seat, a back, a pair of side-walls, and a leg rest. A concave-channel may further be integrated in the chair on the under-side between the leg rest and the seat. The concave-channel may be used as one of the components for fitting the chair on the bathtub. The under-side of the chair may be configured to rest upon the bathtub with the concave-channel placed along a ledge of one of the transverse walls.

The chair may further include a support assembly including a base having a first-side and a second-side. The base may be mounted on the under-side of the seat on the first-side, and a pair of legs are coupled to the base on the second-side. The support assembly may be used as another component for fitting the chair on the bathtub. The pair of legs may be configured to contact the longitudinal wall in an interior of the bathtub such that adequate support is given to the other side of the chair opposite the concave-channel.

According to another embodiment, a method of using a portable shower and bath chair system is also disclosed herein. The method includes providing a portable shower and bath chair system as described above and fitting the chair on the bathtub with the concave-channel resting on a ledge of one of the transverse walls and the pair of legs resting on the longitudinal wall in an interior of the bathtub.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a portable shower and bath chair system and method, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable shower and bath chair system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable shower and bath chair system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable shower and bath chair system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portable shower and bath chair system in a foldable configuration of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using a portable shower and bath chair system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to bathing accessories and more particularly to a portable shower and bath chair system and method as used to aid users in bathing and showering, particularly users that have mobility issues.

Generally, the present invention provides a safe and convenient way for people to shower without having to stand. As designed, it alleviates the hassle of swinging the bather's legs up and over the edge of a bathtub to get in and out. The device effectively eliminates the need for help or assistance from another person. It may save a considerable amount of time and frustration when bathing or showering. The chair can be placed anywhere on the edge of the bathtub, not just by the faucet or water supply.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of a portable shower and bath chair system 100.

FIG. 1 shows a portable shower and bath chair system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the portable shower and bath chair system 100 may be beneficial for use to aid a user 40 in bathing and showering. portable shower and bath chair system 100 may be configured to be used in combination with a bathtub 5 having a longitudinal wall 10 and transverse walls 15. As illustrated, the portable shower and bath chair system 100 may include a chair 110 having an under-side 111 and a top-side 112. The chair 110 includes a seat 113, a back 114, a pair of side-walls 115, and a leg rest 116. Preferably the seat 113 may be padded for comfort, but other parts of the chair 110 may be padded where applicable. The pair of side-walls 115 extend as a perimeter along the back 114, the seat 113, and the leg rest 116 and is configured to prevent liquid from escaping the confines of the chair 110. In some embodiments, the seat 113, the back 114, the pair of side-walls 115, and the leg rest 116 may be a one-piece construction, as illustrated.

A concave-channel 117 may further be integrated in the chair 110 on the under-side 111 between the leg rest 116 and the seat 113. The concave-channel 117 may be used as one of the components for fitting the chair 110 on the bathtub 5. The under-side 111 of the chair 110 may be configured to rest upon the bathtub 5 with the concave-channel 117 placed along a ledge of one of the transverse walls 15.

Another aspect of the chair 110 may include a seat belt 166 extending from either side of the seat 113. The seat belt 166 is adjustable to fit around a variety of users 40. Adjustments may be made through a number of means, such as fasteners (i.e., buckles, loops, etc.). The seat belt 166 further includes a clasp 168 for securing the user 40 into the chair 110.

The chair 110 may further include a support assembly 120 including a base 122 having a first-side 124 and a second-side 125. The base 122 may be mounted on the under-side 111 of the seat 113 on the first-side 124, and a pair of legs 126 are coupled to the base 122 on the second-side 125. The support assembly 120 may be used as another component for fitting the chair 110 on the bathtub 5. The pair of legs 126 may be configured to contact the longitudinal wall 10 in an interior of the bathtub 5 such that adequate support is given to the other side of the chair 110 opposite the concave-channel 117.

The portable shower and bath chair system 100 further includes a means for supplying and draining a liquid solution (e.g., mixture of soap and water, only water, only soap, etc.) to and from the chair 110. The means including a plurality of perforations 130 within the leg rest 116 and the back 114.

According to one embodiment, the portable shower and bath chair system 100 may be arranged as a kit 105. In particular, the portable shower and bath chair system 100 may further include a set of instructions 107. The instructions 107 may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the portable shower and bath chair system 100 such that the portable shower and bath chair system 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner.

A detachable spray head 150 may be included and used with the portable shower and bath chair system 100. The detachable spray head 150 includes a spray head connector 152 for coupling the detachable spray head 150 to the water supply. The spray head connector 152 may include components (not shown) such as a hose, water spigot coupler, and a hanger (e.g., suction cup and hook) for hanging the detachable spray head 110 on an external surface of the bathtub 5.

FIG. 2 shows the portable shower and bath chair system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the portable shower and bath chair system 100 may include the chair 110 having the under-side 111 and the top-side 112. The chair 110 includes the seat 113, the back 114, the pair of side-walls 115, and the leg rest 116. The concave-channel 117 may further be integrated in the chair 110 on the under-side 111 between the leg rest 116 and the seat 113. The portable shower and bath chair system 100 further includes the support assembly 120 including the base 122 having the first-side 124 and the second-side 125. The base 122 may be mounted on the under-side 111 of the seat 113 on the first-side 124, and the pair of legs 126 are coupled to the base 122 on the second-side 125.

The portable shower and bath chair system 100 further includes the means for supplying and draining the liquid solution to and from the chair 110. The means including the plurality of perforations 130 within the leg rest 116 and the back 114. The plurality of perforations 130 may be coupled to a water hook-up, a soap hook-up (not shown), and a user control unit 138 for supplying the liquid solution. The water hook-up can be controlled by the user control unit 138 and is configured to provide water to the plurality of perforations 130 from a water supply. The soap hook-up can also be controlled by the user control unit 138 and is configured to provide soap to the plurality of perforations 130 from a soap supply. The water hook-up and the soap hook-up may include tubing situated within the chair 110 with connectors for coupling to the water supply and the soap supply, respectively. The water supply may be from any water outlet (e.g. faucet) in the bathtub 5.

The plurality of perforations 130 may be coupled to a plumbing means 140 for draining the liquid solution (or water) from the chair 110. The plumbing means 140 can also be controlled by the user control unit 138. The plumbing means 140 includes a drain 142 integrated in the chair 110 for draining the liquid solution from the plumbing means 140 and into the bathtub 5. The direction of the liquid solution through the plumbing means 140 is illustrated in the arrows. Forcing the liquid solution to overcome gravity out through the drain 142 and into the bathtub 5 can be accomplished in a number of ways, such as a pump (not shown).

The user control unit 138 may be utilized to adjust when the plurality of perforations 130 are supplying or draining the liquid solution. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of plumbing connections, communication of fluids as described herein, methods of switching between suppling and draining liquids will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. Such methods can include the use of a valve that opens/closes access from the water hook-up, the soap hook-up, and the plumbing means 140. Alternatively, some of the plurality of perforations 130 may be used for supplying the liquid solution while the other half of the plurality of perforations 130 may be used for draining the liquid solution. Methods may vary.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable shower and bath chair system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The back 114 of the chair 110 includes an angle adjustment mechanism 160 for reclining the back 114 in relation to the support assembly 120. The angle adjustment mechanism 160 may include a catch 162 mounted on the under-side 111 of the back 114 and one or more grooves 164 along the first-side 124 of the base 122. The catch 162 may be configured to be retained within one of the grooves 164 to maintain a desired angle such that the back 114 can be suitably reclined when desired.

Another aspect of the present invention (not illustrated) may allow for the seat 113 to slide back and forth along the support assembly 120. This may be enabled via tracks or other means attached along the first-side 124 the support assembly 120 such that the seat 113 can slide back and forth along the tracks.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portable shower and bath chair system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Another aspect of the portable shower and bath chair system 100 provides a system which is easily portable and lightweight. In one embodiment, the chair 110 may include a foldable configuration 180 with the back 114 and the leg rest 116 folding inwards towards the seat 113. The chair 110 may fold via pivotable points between the back 114 and the seat 113, and the leg rest 116 and the seat 113. Alternatively, one or more parts of the chair 110 can be removable or otherwise disengaged from the chair 110.

Another embodiment of the present invention may provide for a headrest 170. The headrest 170 may be removably attachable to the back 114 of the chair 110. The headrest 170 may be padded and be adjustable around the back 114.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for using a portable shower and bath chair system 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method for using the portable shower and bath chair system 500 may include one or more components or features of the portable shower and bath chair system 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method for using the portable shower and bath chair system 500 may include the steps of: step one 501, providing a portable shower and bath chair system 100 including a chair 110 having an under-side 111 and a top-side 112, the chair 110 including a seat 113, a back 114, a pair of side-walls 115, and a leg rest 116, the chair 110 further including and a concave-channel 117 on the under-side 111 between the leg rest 116 and the seat 113, a support assembly 120 including a base 122 having a first-side 124 and a second-side 125, the base 122 is mounted on the under-side 111 of the seat 113 on the first-side 124, and a pair of legs 126 are coupled to the base 122 on the second-side 125; step two 502, fitting the chair 110 on the bathtub 5 with the concave-channel 117 resting on a ledge of one of the transverse walls 15 and the pair of legs 126 resting on the longitudinal wall 10 in an interior of the bathtub 5. The portable shower and bath chair system 100 further includes a means for supplying and draining a liquid solution to/from the chair 110. The means including a plurality of perforations 130 within the leg rest 116 and the back 114. The method, further including the steps of: step three 503, activating the means for supply and draining the liquid solution via a user control unit 138 such that the liquid solution is dispensed and then drained away from the chair 110 through the plurality of perforations 130.

It should be noted that step three 503 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for the portable shower and bath chair system 100 (NOTE: e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A portable shower and bath chair system for use in combination with a bathtub having a longitudinal wall and transverse walls, the system comprising: a chair having an under-side and a top-side, the chair including a seat, a back, a pair of side-walls, and a leg rest, the chair further including a concave-channel on the under-side between the leg rest and the seat; and a support assembly including a base having a first-side and a second-side, the base is mounted on the under-side of the seat on the first-side, and a pair of legs are coupled to the base on the second-side; and wherein the under-side of the chair is configured to rest upon the bathtub with the concave-channel placed along a ledge of one of the transverse walls; and wherein the pair of legs are configured to contact the longitudinal wall in an interior of the bathtub.
 2. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 1, further comprising a means for supplying and draining a liquid solution to and from the chair, said means including a plurality of perforations within the leg rest and the back.
 3. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of perforations are coupled to a water hook-up, a soap hook-up, and a user control unit for supplying the liquid solution; wherein the water hook-up is controlled by the user control unit and is configured to provide water to the plurality of perforations from a water supply; and wherein the soap hook-up is controlled by the user control unit and is configured to provide soap to the plurality of perforations from a soap supply.
 4. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of perforations are coupled to a plumbing means for draining the liquid solution from the chair; and wherein the plumbing means is controlled by the user control unit.
 5. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 4, wherein the plumbing means includes a drain integrated in the chair for draining the liquid solution from the plumbing means and into the bathtub.
 6. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 5, furthering comprising a detachable spray head.
 7. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 6, wherein the detachable spray head includes a spray head connector for coupling the detachable spray head to the water supply.
 8. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 1, wherein the back of the chair includes an angle adjustment mechanism for reclining the back in relation to the support assembly.
 9. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 8, wherein the angle adjustment mechanism includes a catch mounted on the under-side of the back and one or more grooves along the first-side of the base, the catch is configured to be retained within one of the grooves to maintain a desired angle.
 10. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 1, wherein the chair includes a seat belt extending from either side of the seat.
 11. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 10, wherein the seat belt is adjustable.
 12. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 11, wherein the seat belt includes a clasp for securing a user into the chair.
 13. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 1, further comprising a headrest removably attachable to the back of the chair.
 14. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 1, wherein the pair of side-walls extends as a perimeter along the back, the seat, and the leg rest and is configured to prevent liquid from escaping the chair.
 15. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 1, wherein the seat is padded.
 16. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 1, wherein the chair includes a foldable configuration with the back and the leg rest folding inwards towards the seat.
 17. A portable shower and bath chair system for use in combination with a bathtub having a longitudinal wall and transverse walls, the system comprising: a chair having an under-side and a top-side, the chair including a seat, a back, a pair of side-walls, and a leg rest, the chair further including a concave-channel on the under-side between the leg rest and the seat; a support assembly including a base having a first-side and a second-side, the base is mounted on the under-side of the seat on the first-side, and a pair of legs are coupled to the base on the second-side; wherein the under-side of the chair is configured to rest upon the bathtub with the concave-channel placed along a ledge of one of the transverse walls; wherein the pair of legs are configured to contact the longitudinal wall in an interior of the bathtub; wherein the chair further includes a means for supplying and draining a liquid solution to and from the chair, said means including a plurality of perforations within the leg rest and the back; wherein the plurality of perforations are coupled to a water hook-up, a soap hook-up, and a user control unit for supplying the liquid solution; wherein the water hook-up is controlled by the user control unit and is configured to provide water to the plurality of perforations from a water supply; wherein the soap hook-up is controlled by the user control unit and is configured to provide soap to the plurality of perforations from a soap supply; wherein the plurality of perforations are coupled to a plumbing means for draining the liquid solution from the chair; wherein the plumbing means is controlled by the user control unit; wherein the plumbing means includes a drain integrated in the chair for draining the liquid solution from the plumbing means and into the bathtub; wherein the portable shower and bath chair system includes a detachable spray head; wherein the detachable spray head includes a spray head connector for coupling the detachable spray head to the water supply; wherein the back of the chair includes an angle adjustment mechanism for reclining the back in relation to the support assembly; wherein the angle adjustment mechanism includes a catch mounted on the under-side of the back and one or more grooves along the first-side of the base, the catch is configured to be retained within one of the grooves to maintain a desired angle; wherein the chair includes a seat belt extending from either side of the seat; wherein the seat belt is adjustable; wherein the seat belt includes a clasp for securing a user into the chair; wherein a headrest is removably attachable to the back of the chair; wherein the pair of side-walls extends as a perimeter along the back, the seat, and the leg rest and is configured to prevent liquid from escaping the chair; and wherein the seat is padded.
 18. The portable shower and bath chair system of claim 17, further comprising set of instructions; and wherein the portable shower and bath chair system is arranged as a kit.
 19. A method of using a portable shower and bath chair system in combination with a bathtub having a longitudinal wall and transverse walls, the method comprising the steps of: providing a portable shower and bath chair system including a chair having an under-side and a top-side, the chair including a seat, a back, a pair of side-walls, and a leg rest, the chair further including and a concave-channel on the under-side between the leg rest and the seat, a support assembly including a base having a first-side and a second-side, the base is mounted on the under-side of the seat on the first-side, and a pair of legs are coupled to the base on the second-side, and fitting the chair on the bathtub with the concave-channel resting on a ledge of one of the transverse walls and the pair of legs resting on the longitudinal wall in an interior of the bathtub.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the portable shower and bath chair system includes a means for supplying and draining a liquid solution to/from the chair, said means including a plurality of perforations within the leg rest and the back, the method further comprising the steps of activating the means for supply and draining the liquid solution via a user control unit such that the liquid solution is dispensed and then drained away from the chair through the plurality of perforations. 